Relationship-related issues at workplace costing employees 70 working days: report
Employees in Singapore are losing an average of 65 working days as their mental health remains "significantly strained," according to the latest Mental Health Index from Telus Health.
The mental health score of Singaporeans went up to 62 for October 2023, a slight uptick from prior findings.
"Despite a half point improvement from the prior period, the mental health of workers in Singapore remains significantly strained," the report said.
The report was sourced from an online survey of 1,000 employees in Singapore.
Jamie MacLennan, Senior Vice-president and Managing Director of APAC, TELUS Health, said their report provides clear insights into the wellbeing of Singaporean workers.
"The report also quantifies the impact of mental health pressures on productivity and lost working days, which has an immediate impact on the financial returns of a business," MacLennan said in a media release.
Average losses in working days
The report found that Singapore-based employees are most likely to be diagnosed with anxiety (13%) and well as sleep disorders (11%).
Employees diagnosed with anxiety lose 64 workings days in productivity annually, according to the report, while those with sleep issues lose 67 working days.
Another nine per cent of Singapore employees report being diagnosed with depression, who lost 60 working days annually.
Other employees who report mental health conditions that aren't anxiety or depression lose 66 working days in productivity per year, according to the report.
Stress hitting productivity days
Meanwhile, the report also found that employees who report that work stress is because of their relationship with a colleague lose an average of 70 working days per year. Other factors costing productivity days among employees include:
- Stress from fear of termination or layoff (62 days)
- Stress from hours of work (58 days)
- Stress from performance demands (57 days)
- Stress from conflict at work (54 days)
Stress fuelling turnover
Aside from lost productivity days, the report found that increased mental stress or strain at work is making 12% of employees consider switching employers. Other factors to turnover include:
- Better benefits (17%)
- Better job or career opportunity (15%)
- Need or want a change (11%)
- Feeling underappreciated (8%)
- Retirement (7%)
- To improve or get better support for personal wellbeing (7%)
The findings suggest employees are starting to pay more attention to their benefits and wellbeing at work. In fact, the report found 37% of employees are saying that better support for their wellbeing is more important than a 10% increase in salary.
"It is crucial for businesses to acknowledge this shift in priorities," MacLennan said. "Employers have the opportunity to create a healthier and more supportive work environment by implementing policies and strategies that align with the needs of their teams. This is beneficial for staff as well as the viability of the business."
